Ohio’s mammal population is remarkably diverse, ranging from familiar backyard species to elusive predators. The state’s forests are home to its most iconic large herbivore, while woodlands and neighborhoods alike host a common tree-dwelling squirrel, its larger orange-toned relative, and a smaller, more vocal species.
Wetlands and waterways support a powerful dam-building rodent, a smaller aquatic mammal, and a playful carnivore that has made a strong comeback. Predators such as a sleek, semi-aquatic hunter and a highly adaptable omnivore thrive across the state.
Ohio’s carnivores include a nocturnal marsupial, a striped species known for its defensive spray, a cunning red-coated hunter, a tree-climbing fox, and a highly adaptable predator. More elusive species include a stealthy wild cat and a large omnivore occasionally seen in rural areas.
Ohio’s mustelids include a slender, energetic hunter, the smallest carnivore in North America, a powerful burrower, a forest-dwelling species, and a skilled tree-climbing predator.
Rounding out the list is a regional squirrel variant, adding even more diversity to Ohio’s mammal community.